Clavicle fixation

Abstract

A substantially rigid plate is secured to a medial portion of a clavicle relative to a fracture in the clavicle. The plate is positioned so that it extends at least partially over a distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. The plate has surfaces that define a first opening through which a suture can pass. A hole is formed in the clavicle. A washer may be positioned at a side of the plate opposite the clavicle. Alternatively, the plate may include suture holes or edge features for securing a suture. A suture is secured to the washer, to at least one suture hole or to at least one edge feature, and extends through the first opening, through the hole in the clavicle and is secured to the coracoid process.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fixation system for a fractured clavicle, the fracture defining medial and distal portions of the clavicle relative to the fracture, the clavicle having a superior facing surface shape, the fixation system comprising:
 a substantially rigid plate having superior and inferior surfaces, the plate being contoured to follow said clavicle superior facing surface shape, the plate being configured to be secured to a the clavicle medial portion and to extend at least partially over the clavicle distal portion when secured to the clavicle, the plate having at least one first opening between the superior and inferior surfaces, the at least one first opening through which a suture can pass, the at least one first opening comprising a larger, upper portion and a smaller, lower portion; 
 a washer configured to be positioned adjacent the plate superior surface opposite the clavicle and configured to fit within the at least one first opening; and 
 a suture secured to the washer and extending through the at least one first opening in the plate, configured to be passed through a hole in the clavicle and secured to the coracoid process. 
 
     
     
       2. The fixation system of  claim 1 , wherein the plate defines a shoulder formed between the superior and inferior surfaces in the at least one first opening, the shoulder formed at the interface between the larger, upper portion of the first opening and the smaller, lower portion of the first opening. 
     
     
       3. The fixation system of  claim 2 , wherein the washer sits on the shoulder. 
     
     
       4. The fixation system of  claim 2 , wherein the washer fits substantially snugly in the at least one first opening above the shoulder. 
     
     
       5. The fixation system of  claim 1 , wherein a superior surface of the washer is approximately flush with the superior plate surface opposite the clavicle when positioned in the hole. 
     
     
       6. The fixation system of  claim 1  wherein the washer has at least one hole dimensioned to receive a suture. 
     
     
       7. The fixation system of  claim 6  further comprising an anchor for positioning at an inferior side of the coracoid process. 
     
     
       8. The fixation system of  claim 7  wherein the anchor is configured for securing to the suture when the suture passes through a hole in the coracoid process. 
     
     
       9. The fixation system of  claim 7  wherein the anchor is substantially oblong. 
     
     
       10. The fixation system of  claim 9  wherein the anchor is dimensioned to pass through a hole in the clavicle and through a hole in the coracoid process, and dimensioned to resist, once positioned beneath the coracoid process, returning through the hole in the coracoid process. 
     
     
       11. The fixation system of  claim 1  wherein the suture has a length sufficient to pass around the coracoid process. 
     
     
       12. The fixation system of  claim 1  wherein the washer is oblong and includes a plurality of holes distributed longitudinally along the washer. 
     
     
       13. The fixation system of  claim 1  wherein said plate further comprises at least one second opening dimensioned to receive a fastening device to secure the plate to the medial portion of the clavicle. 
     
     
       14. The fixation system of  claim 13  further comprising at least one fastening device adapted to pass through the at least one second opening and to secure the plate to the medial portion of the clavicle. 
     
     
       15. The fixation system of  claim 14  wherein the at least one fastening device is a locking screw. 
     
     
       16. The fixation system of  claim 1  wherein the plate is contoured to be secured to the distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. 
     
     
       17. A fractured clavicle fixation kit, the fracture defining medial and distal portions of the clavicle relative to the fracture, the clavicle having a superior facing surface shape, the kit comprising:
 a fixation system according to  claim 1 ; 
 a second opening in said plate configured to receive a fastening device; and 
 at least one fastening device adapted to pass through the second opening in the plate to secure the plate to the medial portion of the clavicle. 
 
     
     
       18. The fractured clavicle fixation kit of  claim 17  further comprising a substantially oblong anchor that can be coupled to the suture. 
     
     
       19. The fixation system of  claim 17 , wherein a distal end of the plate is flared. 
     
     
       20. The fixation system of  claim 17 , wherein sides of the washer are substantially parallel to the first opening in the plate.